Geospatial Department Manager

Who We Are

For over thirty years, SAM has built a reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable, and innovative partner. Our licensed professionals transform petabytes of complex spatial data into intelligent insights in a holistic Managed Geospatial Services™ (MGS™) framework. As North America's premiere MGS™ company, SAM provides practical, precise, and high-fidelity solutions designed to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, achieve strategic objectives, and drive costs out of our client's business. Our vision is to advance spatial data acquisition, improve analysis capabilities, and develop predictive analytics to redefine and transform how infrastructure assets are developed and managed throughout their lifecycles.

Your Impact at SAM

As the Geospatial Department Manager, you’ll have a unique opportunity to build a brand-new department from the ground up in our North Central Region while having support from geospatial SMEs across the company. This is a highly technical and strategic role that combines leadership, QA / QC excellence, and business development. You’ll lead the growth of our geospatial services by developing operational strategies, ensuring the highest technical quality of deliverables, and building a strong team to support projects across transportation, energy, and infrastructure markets.

Key Responsibilities :

Establish and grow SAM’s Geospatial / Aerial Services department in the region, including hiring, mentoring, and developing technical staff.

Provide hands-on technical leadership in LiDAR, photogrammetry, aerial mapping, and geospatial data processing, with a strong focus on QA / QC to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

Oversee project scoping, proposals, budgets, and contracts, ensuring financial health and alignment with client expectations.

Partner with market leads and senior leadership to drive growth strategies and expand SAM’s presence in geospatial services.

Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted technical advisor.

Monitor project and departmental performance through reporting, financial tracking, and resource allocation.

Actively participate in recruitment, business development, and marketing to attract top talent and new clients.

Serve as the company’s representative in regional geospatial operations, contributing to SAM’s national reputation as an industry leader.

What You Bring to SAM

10+ years of experience in geospatial, aerial mapping, or related technical services.

Strong technical background in aerial mapping, LiDAR extraction / classification, photogrammetry, and geospatial technologies.

Proven expertise in QA / QC of geospatial deliverables and developing workflows that improve accuracy and efficiency.

Experience with MicroStation, TerraSolid, TopoDOT, PLS-CADD, or similar industry software strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success in building and managing technical teams and department operations.

Strong business development, client engagement, and relationship management skills.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively.

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to establish and grow a new department in a dynamic environment.

Our Perks

Health and Wellness Benefits : BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability / Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being

Financial Benefits : Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Access to Ramsey Smart Dollar to support financial goals and retire with confidence, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend

Work-Life Balance : Paid time off including vacation / sick / holidays, parental leave to support families

Professional Development : Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans / Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program

Perks and Discounts : Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks

Culture and Awards / Achievements : SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

EEO

SAM is an EOE / Affirmative Action Employer M / F / D / V. SAM also participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

10+ years of experience in geospatial, aerial mapping, or related technical services.

Strong technical background in aerial mapping, LiDAR extraction / classification, photogrammetry, and geospatial technologies.

Proven expertise in QA / QC of geospatial deliverables and developing workflows that improve accuracy and efficiency.

Experience with MicroStation, TerraSolid, TopoDOT, PLS-CADD, or similar industry software strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success in building and managing technical teams and department operations.

Strong business development, client engagement, and relationship management skills.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively.

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to establish and grow a new department in a dynamic environment.

As the Geospatial Department Manager, you’ll have a unique opportunity to build a brand-new department from the ground up in our North Central Region while having support from geospatial SMEs across the company. This is a highly technical and strategic role that combines leadership, QA / QC excellence, and business development. You’ll lead the growth of our geospatial services by developing operational strategies, ensuring the highest technical quality of deliverables, and building a strong team to support projects across transportation, energy, and infrastructure markets.

Key Responsibilities :

Establish and grow SAM’s Geospatial / Aerial Services department in the region, including hiring, mentoring, and developing technical staff.

Provide hands-on technical leadership in LiDAR, photogrammetry, aerial mapping, and geospatial data processing, with a strong focus on QA / QC to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

Oversee project scoping, proposals, budgets, and contracts, ensuring financial health and alignment with client expectations.

Partner with market leads and senior leadership to drive growth strategies and expand SAM’s presence in geospatial services.

Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted technical advisor.

Monitor project and departmental performance through reporting, financial tracking, and resource allocation.

Actively participate in recruitment, business development, and marketing to attract top talent and new clients.

Serve as the company’s representative in regional geospatial operations, contributing to SAM’s national reputation as an industry leader.